Danny, yes, practice is key!   I went into these particular shots with a fairly good idea of the results expected, learned by experience.     If we shoot a  photo then look to see "why" it isn't what it should be, the next can be better.  

It is too easy to get the "how can I correct the image on the computer" attitude, when in the first place the original should be the best you can do under the conditions.   Good shot in...better shot out.  : )        Tom.